Sushi, Japanese Eatery Planned For Cushing Square As Comella’s (Quietly) Seeks Similar Location

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Photo: The location of the former Ben Franklin in Cushing Square which will likely transform into a sushi/Japanese restaurant

The owner of a popular Belmont take out place has signed a lease for the former Ben Franklin 5 and 10 store with plans to bring top-notch sushi and traditional Japanese dishes to Cushing Square.

“We chose Belmont because of its proximety, the people and as a resident of Belmont we need more places where we can gather and meet up for a nice meal,” said Jack Sy, a former financial analyst turned restauranteur who owns a number of eateries including the popular Number 1 Taste Chinese Food takeout also located on Trapelo Road.

Sy’s move to the long time home of five and dime stores – operated as a Ben Franklin franchise since the 1930s before changing its name to Hollingsworth 5 and 10 in 2014, and finally as Belmont 5 and 10 before closing for good in August 2021 – will be a long-needed shot in the arm for the business center with a steady number of empty store fronts.

The menu which the Johnson and Wales graduate is still developing will include high-quality sushi and traditional Japanese dishes like Katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl), Ramen noodles and Teppanyaki (sizzling hot plates) to your table. (Think Netflix’s ”Midnight Diner” food in Belmont.) There will also be many creative tapas-sized dishes for an option to a light meal. Sy will also seek an all-alcohol license to compliment the food.

Just beginning the permitting process with the town, Sy said he tentatively wants to do a complete buildout of the space replacing the site’s large existing windows with bistro-style windows that fold open during good weather while also taking advantge of the high ceiling and openness of the space “to create a mature, and fun atmosphere to come enjoy. A place where people can enjoy long conversations over dinner or a glass of wine.” He will also hire locally for all positions.

Sy’s move to open a restaurant near the busy intersection of Trapelo and Common comes as a regional Italian restaurant company currently on Leonard Street has its eyes on its own move to Cushing. Talk around Belmont Center and town offices since the fall of 2021 has Comella’s seeking a location near the popular public transportation bus line – the 73 bus is one of the most heavily used in the MBTA system – and the new Bradford apartment complex. No word from Comella’s to confirm this decision.

Whether or not Comella’s makes the move, it will not deter Sy’s plans.

“I think its a good idea for any restaurant or business to come and make the Trapelo area more vibrant,” said Sy.

Sy said a opening date is still a while in the future; he still hasn’t come up with a name for the place.

“Any suggestions?” he asked.

Arbor Day Returns As Girl Scouts Are First To Donate A Tree Under Belmont’s New Planting Program

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Photo: Girl Scout Troop 802027 hard at work planting its dogwood at PQ Park

The shovels were brought, soil and mulch was delivered, and a kousa dogwood tree was placed into the ground close to the playground at PQ Park. Everything was in place on Friday, April 29 for Belmont to celebrate Arbor Day for the first time in two years by adding a decorative tree to the town’s inventory.

For Lucia Gates, chair of Belmont’s Shade Tree Committee, the ceremony was extra special for two reasons: Girl Scouts from Troop 802027 – made up of girls from Belmont, Cambridge and Boston – would be doing the honors of planting the tree, which, itself, was memorable for being the first under the town’s new program for accepting gifts of trees.

“It’s great to see these scouts have this chance to provide the park with a living memory of this day,” said Gates who was a Girl Scout since age 7 in her hometown of Houston, Texas, and led her daughter’s troop at the Butler Elementary school.

The troop is the first to donate a tree under the town’s new streamlined commemorative shade tree planting program initiated by Jay Marcotte, Department of Public Works director and town Tree Warden and Gates’ committee. Approved by the Select Board on March 21, the program gives individuals, business and community groups the opportunity to donate funds to purchase and plant a public shade tree.

A donation of $500 will pay for a tree – which the Tree Warden will help each contributor select “the right tree planted at the right place” for the best chance of survival – to be placed and maintained by the Public Works. And the troop will be the first to be recognized on a new commemorative plaque which will be located in Town Hall and noted online.

At PQ, each scout recited a line from an Arbor Day poem, Marcotte read a proclamation from the Select Board, the soil and mulch was expertly put in their place and everyone in attendance was given Girl Scout cookies – Lemonades – for coming.

“So watch this tree your whole life,” said Gates. “And maybe when you grow up, you’ll bring friends and it will be part of you forever.”


Front Row, left to right: Julia Danahy, Mabel Fanning, Madeleine Palmer, Ruby Garver, Julia Spitznagel, Rosalind Oppenheim
Back Row, left to right: Penelope Fok, Fiona Zimkus, Julia Sen, Funmilayo Folorunso, Ellie Dubois, Elizabeth Tung
Lucia Gates and Michael Chesson of the Belmont Shade Tree Committee with Jay Marcotte (right), director, Belmont Department of Public Works

Given A Second Chance, Belmont’s Bridget Gray Comes Home A National Champion

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Photo: Belmont’s Bridget Gray whose semi-final heroics helped the East Coast Wizards capture the USA Hockey U19 Tier 2A Girls National Championship

Sometimes an athlete is at their best when they get a second chance. And for Belmont’s Bridget Gray, that opportunity came with just one second remaining in the semi-finals of USA Hockey U19 Tier 2A Girls National Championship were held in West Chester, outside of Philadelphia on April 3.

During the tournament, Gray and her team mate, Elizabeth Sullivan of Shrewsbury, shared time between the pipes – playing half of each game alternating between starting and finishing the game – as goalies for the Bedford-based East Coast Wizards, one of 12 U19 Tier II teams to make the national tournament.

Belmont’s Bridget Gray in action at USA Hockey U19 Tier 2A Girls National Championship were held in West Chester.

After the Wizards – coached by Mike Milofsky, who grew up in Belmont and played for Belmont High – won the three games in the initial group round, they defeated the Minnesota Premier Prep Royal, 6-4, in a morning quarterfinals on Sunday April 3, advancing to a Sunday night semi-final tussle with their Massachusetts rivals, the Boston Junior Eagles. 

Taking over in the second half of the game against the high-scoring Junior Eagles (they would tally 25 goals in five games), Gray was peppered with shots that included one ending up in her net with 49 seconds remaining in the third to give the Junior Eagles a 4-3 advantage. But the Belmont High all-star was handed a reprieve when the Wizards’ Jenna Lynch scored with a single second remaining in the contest to send the contest into overtime.

Given a (one) second chance, Gray delivered big time, stopping every chance in the 17 minute sudden death overtime, then during the climatic penalty shot shootout, made three consecutive saves on each of the Junior Eagles who scored on her in the game. With the Wizards having scored two in the first four opportunities, Gray caused the fourth Junior Eagle to miss and secured a miraculous trip to the finals.

In the final on Monday, April 3, the Wizards beat the Wisconsin Selects, 2-1, to win the championship title.

Gray’s 2021 and 2020 Wizard’s teams had also qualified for Nationals, but were unable to participate due to Covid; 2020 was cancelled and in 2021 travel restrictions prevented a trip to Colorado. 

Belmont’s Bridget Gray in action at 2022 USA Hockey U19 Tier 2A Girls National Championship

Belmont 8th Grade Girl Hoopsters Take Home Metrowest Crown

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Photo: ”We are the champions!” Belmont’s 8th Grade hoopsters (Back row from left) Leah Attridge, Emma Kass, Sophia McClendon, Sam Ryan, Amy Saukkonen. (Front row from left) Erin Attridge, Grace Grant, Sophie Tournet, Sophia Pang.

It took three nail biters for Belmont’s 8th Grade Maroon basketball team to take the Metrowest League Division 2 tournament, capturing the crown with a come-from-behind victory vs. Wellesley, 48-45, in the finals.

Trailing 44-38 with three minutes remaining in the championship game against a 13-1 opponent, Belmont’s defense shut down Wellesley finishing the game on a 10-to-1 run as Belmont got hot from deep in the second half with Sophia Pang, Amy Saukkonen and Sophie Tournet hitting multiple threes from downtown.

Belmont’s Sam Ryan from the baseline vs. Wellesley in the Metrowest finals

Saukkonen set the tone early for Belmont with her lockdown defense, as Sophia McClendon, Samantha Ryan and Grace Grant controlled the glass. Great passing and unselfish play from the entire team led to many open shots. Leading scorers were Pang with 17, Tournet,11, with McClendon and Saukkonen finnished with nine each.

Belmont ended the season with a 15-6 record.

“This team always plays unselfish, intelligent and hard. They stay positive even when things aren’t going well. This is a guaranteed recipe for success,” said Jason Tournet, who along with Bernie Ryan and Mike Grant coached the girls.

Belmont’s Leah Attridge (right) vs. Wellesley in the Metrowest final.

Belmont defeated Hopkington in the first round, 61-58, with Ryan, Pang, McClendon and Tournet scoring in double figures. Erin and Leah Attridge hit clutch jump shots and Ryan nailed a 3 to give Belmont the lead late in the 3rd quarter. Grant grabbed multiple key rebounds and Pang and Tournet combined for 14 in the 4th quarter to help hold off a late Hopkington charge. 

Belmont won a tightly-fought semifinal, 44-40, against a 14-2 Rochester squad. McClendon dominated from the tip, finishing with 24 points and several blocked shots. Pang chipped in with 14 and the Belmont team defense did a great job in the second half with Emma Kass excellent under the basket, helping to overcome a tall Rochester front line.

In the past four years, the team racked up a 12-1 playoff record while winning a pair of Metro crowns all the while having a great experience playing basketball together. The team would like to thank Belmont Youth Basketball Association for all of its support, particularly during the Covid pandemic. 

Abstracts And Collages Highlight New Art Exhibit at the Gallery@BMC; Opening Reception May 6

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Photo: Works by Kate Rosenburg and Marjorie Bangs that will be shown at the Gallery@BMC

Painter Kate Rosenburg and collage artist Marjorie Bangs have a new show “Works by Kate Rosenburg & Marjorie Bangs” at the Gallery@BMC, which is located in the Belmont Media Center, 9 Lexington St. across from Star Market.

The opening reception is Friday, May 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

Rosenburg specializes in abstract paintings. Her work attempts to create a dramatic contrast between background and shape that is simultaneously stimulating and compelling. Bangs lives in Belmont and is the Volunteer Gallery Coordinator at the Belmont Media Center. She studied filmmaking at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, but now is creating collages using ephemera and images from 1950s and 60s. 

The exhibit will run until June 30. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more info go to belmontmedia.org.

To get to the Gallery@BMC, take the 73 bus to the Church Street/Lexington Street stop in Waverley Square.If you are coming by car, there’s free on-street parking and a paid parking lot nearby on Church Street.

Select Board Backs Belmont Fire Chief After Being Cleared Of Alleged Residency Violation

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Photo: Belmont Fire Chief David DeStefano in July 2021

The Belmont Select Board rallied to the side of Belmont Fire Chief David DeStefano Monday night, April 26, after an independent investigation found DeStefano has not violated the residency clause in his three-year contract requiring him to live no farther than 15 miles from Belmont.

“I’m sorry that you have to continue to be subjected to these kinds of accusations and I want to thank you for your strong service to the town,” said Board Chair Mark Paolillo.

The complaint by former Belmont assistant Fire Chief Angus Davison alleged DeStefano had violated his work contract by not establishing a primary residence 15 miles from Belmont within six months after signing his contract in February of last year.

The residency allegations against DeStefano is the latest in a series of actions by Davison and others questioning his selection to lead the fire department and the process of hiring candidates from outside of Belmont when there are several “inside” applicants with equivalent leadership experience.

“Even before my official appointment as fire chief, a small network of individuals has worked to undermine the fair process by which I was selected as the most qualified candidate to be the fire chief,” said DeStefano. “Since my appointment, the same individuals have attacked and tried to undermine my leadership by attacks on my character.”

“I’m tired of all of the innuendo. I really tired of the continued sort of attacks if you will by certain individuals against our fire chief about not only residency but other sort of matters as related to the appointment process,” said Paolillo.

Using fuel receipts and mileage usage from DeStefano’s town-owned vehicle obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Davison attested DeStefano’s daily mileage total – averaging 150 miles – was well beyond the distance needed to reach the Dedham address the fire chief claimed is his current residence. Davison suggests the distance is associated with round-trip to Cranston, RI where DeStefano was living when he was hired.

Since the mileage has not dropped since his hiring, Davison alleges that DeStefano “has not moved and is not abiding by the the residency clause” and thus is unable to meet the “essential functions” in the job description which requires him to respond quickly to serious incidents and fires as well as medical emergencies and fire investigations.

“Proximity to Belmont is a concern of the town the the ability to respond quickly is of the utmost importance. Responding from Rhode Island doesn’t meet that criteria,” contends Davison.

Davison said if the board did not address his allegations, he would bring them to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and request a fraud investigation be brought against DeStefano.

Presented with what Paolillo called “this serious claim,” the board asked the Boston law firm of KP Law PC to review the charges. Brian Maser, who is Belmont’s labor counsel, pointed to the admitting broad definition of residence by the state’s Civil Service Commission as the physical location of the employee’s house or other dwelling place. So confirming if a location is a residence would include having property records such as a lease or mortgage in your name, a voting record at the location, utility bills, excise tax records and a motor vehicle registration for that address.

Maser said DeStefano has provided the town a lease for a property 15 miles from the town, utility bills in his name and a driver’s license for the address in Dedham. In addition, DeStefano has verbally represented to Belmont officials that his primary residence is in Dedham.

“It’s our opinion that despite not being required to do so, the chief has voluntarily presented sufficient documentation to rebut the spurious allegation advanced against him related to his residency and has been in compliance with this employment agreement,” said Maser.

“Mileage is not an indicator of residency,” said the board’s Adam Dash. “Chief DeStefano has been doing an outstanding job and we’re lucky to have him.” DeStefano stated that in his first year leading the department, he’s revitalized training programs, updated countless policies, will start an EMS bike unit and trained for active shooter incidents as well as push to replace the department’s aging air packs.

“So I reject the pettiness and unsubstantiated claims of one or two individuals who favor the status quo and favoritism over progress and fairness.” he said.

Pair Of Chenery Middle School Musicians Awarded Annual McLellen Scholarship

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Photo: This year’s recipients of the annual John McLellan Music Scholarship (from left) Chenery Middle School students Markus Sendzik and Fiona Rodriguez-Clark with John McLellan

Markus Sendzik, a 7th grade violinist, violist and pianist, and Fiona Rodriguez-Clark, an 8th grade cellist, are the 2022 recipients of the annual John McLellan Music Scholarship, created to help Chenery Middle School students achieve new levels of musical accomplishment.

They received the $500 scholarship, which honors long-time Chenery Middle School band director John McLellan, who retired in 2018 after inspiring thousands of Belmont public school students to love music during his 35-year-career, at the Chenery honors ensemble choral and orchestra concert on April 12.

Sendzik and Rodriguez-Clark applied for the honor and were selected by the Scholarship Committee for their leadership, scholarship, musicianship, and mentorship. The students plan to use the awards to further their music education this summer. The scholarship is administered by POMs, Parents of Music Students. More information is at http://belmontpoms.weebly.com.

Nine Belmont Runners Break 3 Hours At ’22 BAA Marathon As Brownsberger Tells His Day At The Race

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Photo: This was the 126th Boston Athletic Assocation’s marathon held on Patriots’ Day.

While he may have felt he was living in a Jackson Browne song, Belmont’s Will Brownsberger did himself proud Monday at the 126th Boston Athletic Association’s Marathon even though came in on fumes.

Having last run the annual 26.2 mile race 17 years ago, the veteran legislator was hoping to keep the same pace at 65 as he had at 48. And for 22 miles – having climbed over the four Newton Hills including the devilish last one named Heartbreak – he was holding his own until Father Time met him at the race’s last downhill plunge into Coolidge Corner and climbed on his back for the final stretch.

“My tank was so empty at the finish line that the short walk to the Public Garden to meet my wife felt longer than the race,” he said. You can read about Brownsberger’s day racing to Boston at his website here.

While the long-time state senator and resident completed his race running on empty in 3 hours, 51 minutes and 58 second, Brownsberger placed a very credible 111th of 611 in his men’s 65-69 age category.

Over all, 35 Belmontians started in Hopkinton and completed the 26.2 mile race in Boston’s Copley Square on Monday, April 18. And it was a fast bunch as nine – a quarter of those who finished – crossed the finish line in under three hours. Leading the way for the men was Somerville Evan Vadenais in 2 hours, 37 minutes and 22 seconds

Also rocking his division was Tony Luongo who placed 112th from 2,985 in the male 50-54 group in a time of 2:59:42.

Tops for the 13 women residents running Monday was Belmont’s premier marathoner Becca Pizzi coming in under three and a half hours in 3:29:37, followed by Laurie Nahigian in 3:38:00.

Name ”chip” time
Emily Anderson5:54:58
Sam Belcher2:51:20
Katie Brace3:50:55
Charlie Brodigam 4:34:43
Will Brownsberger3:51:58
Sarah Cote5:48:05
Lisa Engler 3:45:53
Estrella Garcia Griego 5:01:20
Douglas Hall2:55:58
Jenny Luongo 3:58:58
Tony Luongo2:59:42
David Marchefka2:59:27
William Marinell4:07:31
Maria Marques Samary4:29:23
Laurie Nahigian 3:38:00
Lulu November 5:15:36
Becca Pizzi 3:29:37
Alix Price5:45:45
Teresa Pulaski 4:36:44
Lixin Qin3:14:24
Doral Reynolds 2:55:42
Paul Roberts 3:58:26
Jeffrey Roth 3:17:52
Chris Sabo 4:10:41
Joseph Shaw3:04:03
David Somers4:29:36
Matt Swanson2:56:48
Matt Taylor2:58:54
Mike Thomas 4:14:06
Simone Tropeano4:06:17
Evan Vadenais 2:37:22
Peter Walker 5:51:17
Andrew Webster3:45:50
Yi Zhang 3:41:46
Cheng Zhong2:55:39

What’s Open, Closed On Patriots’ Day; Trash/Recycling Delayed A Day

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Photo: Boston Marathon 2010 in Wellesley.JPG|Boston_Marathon_2010_in_Wellesley]]

Patriots’ Day, the Bay State’s homegrown holiday, commemorates the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy on April 19, 1775, the first of the American Revolutionary War. While the first shot was fired in Lexington and the Regulars were halted at North Bridge in Concord, more than half of all casualties on the 19th occurred in modern day Arlington as Minutemen from surrounding towns converged on Menotomy to ambush the British over the short distance from Foot of the Rocks (at the intersection of Lowell Street and Massachusetts Avenue) to Spy Pond on the retreat back to Boston.

Today, most of the day’s attention is focused on the Boston Athletic Association’s annual 26.2 miles marathon that bifurcates a 26-mile stretch of eastern Massachusetts. It years will be a great day for runners and fans as the forecast calls for highs in the mid-50s with sunny skies.

So, what’s opened and what’s closed?

Closed

  • Belmont Town Hall, offices and buildings are closed as is the Belmont Public Library.
  • Belmont public schools are closed Monday and for the week of the spring-time break.
  • State offices such as the Register of Motor Vehicles and courts are closed.

Due to the holiday, trash and recycling curb side pickup is delayed a day; So if your removal day is Monday, don’t! Bring it to the side of the road on Tuesday.

And Massachusetts residents get an extra day before submitting or mailing their taxes.

Opened

As it is a state holiday, the US Post Offices on Concord Avenue and in Waverley Square are open as are federal offices.

Star Market on Trapelo Road is open as are retail and convenience stores, eateries and restaurants, and liquor establishments. MBTA: All subway lines will be operating on a regular weekday schedule with added service before and after the Marathon.

On Marathon Monday, various bus routes on both the North and South sides will be detoured. Due to congestion, bikes are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots’ Day. An all-day pass is being offered for the Framingham/Worcester line. Copley Station will be closed all day Monday. View the MBTA’s Patriots’ Day schedule here.

Hiding Out On B Street: Feds Nab Belmont Man Wanted For Murdering His Wife 27 Years Ago

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Photo: Colombian homicide fugitive Acosta following arrest on April 13 by ERO Boston officers near Belmont, Massachusetts. Photo by ICE ERO Boston.

It’s a story straight out of a true crime podcast. A man with a murderous secret was living a quiet suburban life on a dead end street. But it was his wish to be just like most of his neighbors that opened the door to his downfall.

That suburban byway is B Street near Waverley Square and adjacent to Belmont’s Town Yard, and the man who lived for nearly a quarter century with his family in a small condo at the end of the street was Carlos Alberto Rendon.

But Rendon was the alias he hid behind as he attempted to escape from justice … that is until early Wednesday morning, April 13, when special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested William Hernando Usma Acosta for the 1994 murder of his wife, Laura Rose Agudelo, and the attempted murder of her daughter in Medellin, Columbia.

“Acosta is a convicted cold-blooded killer who thought he could evade justice by entering the United States and creating a new identity for himself so he could live under the radar. He needs to face justice for what he did, and today’s arrest ensures that he will,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division.

U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE), Boston

On November 14, 1996, a court in Medellin sentenced Acosta to 45 years in prison for aggravated murder of his wife during a domestic assault, aggravated attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm. That sentence was later reduced to 28 years and six months based on new sentencing guidelines. Colombia subsequently issued an international arrest warrant for Usma Acosta to serve his sentence.

According to immigration records, Acosta, who was then going by his newly-assumed identity of Carlos Alberto Rendon, arrived in the United States illegally in 1995 when he crossed the Mexican border. In 1998, he married an American citizen and obtained lawful, permanent resident status while living in Somerville. Since that time, Rendon moved to Belmont with his wife and son into a small condo at the edge of the DPW Yard and lived a very quiet life away from all scrutiny.

But in 2020, Acosta decided to become an American and submitted his application for naturalization to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services which began the unraveling of his true identity. As part of that application, Acosta submitted a Colombian birth certificate and fingerprints. The FBI compared his fingerprints against those provided by the Colombian National Police and determined they were an exact match with the murderer Acosta. Investigators also determined the Colombian birth certificate that Rendon/Acosta submitted was fraudulent.

In June 2020, special agents with the FBI Boston Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force received information that Usma Acosta may be residing in the greater Boston area. The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force tracked Usma Acosta’s whereabouts to his home in Belmont and he was arrested without incident as he was heading to work in Waltham. 

Proceedings to remove Acosta from the United States for violating the conditions of his legal permanent residency status will be commenced by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement which will transfer him to Colombian law enforcement authorities who issued the warrant for his arrest.  

“Today’s arrest has ensured that this dangerous and convicted killer will face justice for his crimes,” said Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement (ICE), Boston. “Acosta will no longer pose a threat to the residents of the Commonwealth thanks to the tireless efforts of an outstanding team of law enforcement professionals in both the United States and Colombia.”